Toluene is a clear water-insoluble solvent with a molecular formula of C7H8. It has an aromatic, benzene-like smell and is a highly volatile flammable liquid with a flash point of 4° C. It is obtained from petroleum and coal tar and is predominantly used as a solvent in the manufacturing of other organic chemicals.

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Usage

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The main chemical use of toluene is to make benzene, xylenes and other solvents. It can also be used to manufacture other chemicals such as phenol, nitrobenzene, benzoic acid and benzyl chloride. As a solvent, toluene can be used in paints, paint thinners, adhesives, inks, resins, cleaning agents, leather tanners and inks.

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It can also be used to manufacture polymers that produce nylon, plastic soda bottles and for pharmaceuticals, dyes and cosmetic products.

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The user end markets of this product are the chemical, paints, adhesive, cleaning, leather, plastics, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

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Industrial Uses

Toluene is typically used in the production of paints, rubber, lacquers, glues and adhesives because it can help dry, dissolve and thin other substances. It is used in the production process to make other chemicals, including benzene, nylon, plastics, and polyurethane and in the synthesis of trinitrotoluene (TNT), benzoic acid, benzoyl chloride and toluene diisocyanate.

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Personal Care Products

Toluene has been used as an ingredient in nail polish removers, due to its ability to help dissolve other substances, such as resins and plasticizers. It has also been used in the formulation of nail products to enable nail polishes, hardeners and lacquers to be applied smoothly.